Development commission’s first event
enjoys strong support from community
By:Melissa Edmond
More than 100 local business people gathered at the Summerville Assisted Living Center Monday for the first business networking event sponsored by the Economic and Business Development Commission.
Business people mingled and chatted, passing out their business cards and getting to know each other. Refreshments provided by A Catered Affair, and five types of wine filled the room.
If commission members wondered if such meetings would be supported by Hillsborough’s nascent business community, they heard lots of positive comments at the event.
"I think the township needs to do events like this more often," Raj Singh, president of Title Research Inc. in Somerset, said. "It attracts businesses and gives us the opportunity to network."
Speaking before the packed room, Mayor Bob Wagner said, "We have a really good turnout tonight. The job of our new, reinvigorated EBDC is to bring more business to town and encourage the expansion of existing businesses and from the looks of the turnout here, we are really taking a giant step in the right direction."
Michael Avolio, chairman of EBDC, was impressed by the turnout as well.
"It was the first time all these people came together," he said later. "I was literally in awe. It builds confidence knowing that we have such support in the town."
Mr. Avolio promised that there would be other events. EBDC wants to try to have about three or four events a year.
"We want to try to have our next social when we have something positive to tell people," Mr. Avolio said.
Michael J. Carnese and Nicholas Conte, employees of Weichert Realtors in Hillsborough, said they would definitely come to more events like this one. Mr. Conte added that he was going to register theirhis business on the EBDC Web site.
EBDC launched theirits new Web site, www.HillsboroughBusiness.org, about two weeks ago. The Web site is aimed at supporting local economic development.
Township Committeeman Anthony Ferrera, liaison to EBDC, said that already 60 businesses have registered.
"We have a great team in place to hear what local businesses and residents have to say," Mr. Ferrera told the group. "They will try to help you with your concerns."
Mr. Avolio shared responses to a business survey taken in January, noting the top concerns expressed were the status of Route 206 Bypass construction, the town center issue and how it will affect small businesses, and taxes. Mr. Avolio said the 206 Bypass was by far people’s biggest concern.
"There is no question that the road will get done we’re not going to let go of that issue," he said. "The biggest problem will be swaying Montgomery. We’re going to get 206 done one way or the other."
Mr. Avolio said the EBDC wants to foster business in the community. The 11-member commission is dedicated to promoting businesses and business growth in Hillsborough, put the event together with almost no budget.
He told the assembled group the commission has to think of ways to get people and businesses into Hillsborough, and to work towards alleviating local businesses’ "fears and concerns."
"Hopefully, we can present problems and concerns to the Township Committee and get change done. We see what we can do to make the township better," he said.
But, Mr. Avolio added, the group needs help to make the changes, and he said the commission needs more volunteers. He urged local business people to attend the commission’s public meetings, which take place at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Municipal Building.

